What Every Internet Using Business Needs to Know

If you run a business, it is always a good exercise to perform a periodic SWOT analysis. If you use the Internet in any way to run your business (Cloud), attract new clients, communicate with the ones you have, use a soft phone or VoIP version – stop what you are doing and read this.

File this one under the “T” (threat) column.

Kerri Barber, our CFO, wrote this brief primer for Gold Pin Independent to help folks understand the background on the resurgence of the Net Neutrality fight.

The argument this time is that AT&T, Verizon and Comcast want the following Open Internet Rules abolished:

No Blocking: broadband providers may not block access to legal content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices.

No Throttling: broadband providers may not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices.

No Paid Prioritization: broadband providers may not favor some lawful Internet traffic over other lawful traffic in exchange for consideration of any kind—in other words, no “fast lanes.” < This rule also bans ISPs from prioritizing content and services of their affiliates.

Imagine for a moment that they get what they want. How will this effect you? Besides higher costs and limited reach, can you function if segments of the Internet are closed to you depending on the wishes of your ISP?

Nervous yet?

You can let them know how this would effect you by filing a statement here.

If you need a refresher on the whole saga, read the short background primer on Gold Pin Independent.